Oxycontin Addiction

Oxycontin addiction has many faces. It could be residing next door in the guise of your neighbor. It could be present in the mailroom clerk at your office. Oxycontin abuse could be hiding behind the angst of your teenager or even in your own reflection in a mirror.Known by a number of names like "OC" or "Oxy," Oxycontin is a powerful narcotic that relieves severe pain. And, like many other narcotics, this drug can be highly addictive if used inappropriately.

Following a doctor's instructions is paramount in avoiding an Oxycontin problem. No one starts taking this potent painkiller with the intentions of abusing it and becoming addicted. The destructive cycle starts innocently enough. The physical pain is a little more than can be handled, so someone figures, what could it hurt to just take one extra pill to cut the edge off?

Faced with an Oxycontin Addiction

Pretty soon, the person is caught in a cycle that is tough to break and excuses are created as to why a refill is needed from the doctor such as "My medicine was accidentally thrown away" or "I left it at my hotel on vacation." If the person's own doctor won't prescribe it anymore, they might seek doctors across town or in another city to get a new prescription. They are now caught in a full-blown Oxycontin abuse problem.

Whether you or a loved one is caught up in the addiction, it is important to be aware of the side effects. Seek help if you recognize these symptoms in yourself or in a loved one who you suspect is taking Oxycontin:

• Physical pain beyond what the Oxycontin was prescribed for like muscle twitching, cramps and joint pain
• Dilated pupils, unfocused vision and confusion
• Seizures, slow or shallow breathing or passing out
• Sick to stomach, clammy skin and dizziness

All of the indicators listed above can signify an Oxycontin addiction. These symptoms are more prominent when the addict has not been able to get their fix. People who normally are upstanding citizens of the community and caring people lose themselves to this addiction and sometimes commit illegal offenses like theft, actions that they normally would never do, all for the sake of getting their hands on the addictive Oxycontin. Remember Rush Limbaugh's charges of doctor shopping?

Because the drug can be easily abused, the withdrawal process is often compared to that of morphine or heroin withdrawal. It is a tough addiction to break and almost impossible to overcome alone. Rehab centers and strict doctor supervision is necessary to beat the cycle of Oxycontin abuse and addiction safely and for good.